Theatre francais de Toronto to Present ESPOIR/ESPWA

Théâtre français de Toronto is pleased to present Espoir/Espwa (the word HOPE in both French and Creole), a play written and performed by Haitian Canadian artists Edwige Jean-Pierre, Djennie Laguerre and Carline Zamar. Directed by Guy Mignault, this new original work comes from TfT's author-in-residence program and will premiere at the Berkeley Street Theatre as part of Black History Month from February 24 toMarch 6.

Espoir/Espwa follows three Haitian women who share a common desire to not dwell on sadness and misery - because ultimately, apart from an earthquake, there's only one other thing powerful enough to move mountains: ESPWA!

Two young Haitian women are homesick. Nadège has never set foot on the land of her ancestors, but regardless, she knows it is her home; that she is there in spirit. Meanwhile her friend Céleste has already set sail for Haiti. She couldn't stay away, especially not after the earthquake that devastated her homeland. She had to help, at any price, by any means. There, she meets Man Sara, the owner of a small shop on a mountain in the town of Jacmel. But Man Sara is much more than that, "She's the corner psychologist. Actually, better yet; she's the corner barmaid. Except that she doesn't serve up drinks. She serves up hope."

"Three playwrights. One connection. Haiti (AYITI). Three characters sharing a sentiment. Hope (ESPWA). Three different personalities fueling t hree different artistic approaches. One unique goal: a theatrical celebration (FÈT TEYATRAL). Upon seeing the devastation in Haiti following the powerful earthquake, I began wondering if there wasn't a certain futility to my profession juxtaposed with such terrible catastrophes...I decided to do something about it and called Djennie, Carline and Edwige to tell them I wanted to work on a project with them. That was three years ago. Today, I'm in love with the country although I've never set foot on the island. This show will be my first voyage there." Guy MIGNAULT

Director and Dramaturge: Guy Mignault assisted by Alex Côté. Written and Performed by Edwige Jean-Pierre, Djennie Laguerre and Carline Zamar.

Set Design: Jorge Sandoval; Costume Design: Nina Okens; Lighting Design: Alain Richer; Music: Tamsir Seck; Stage Management: Gabriel Dubé.

A Théâtre français de Toronto production.

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